When Bob chose the Oscar-winning Things Have Changed to open his Royal Albert hall gig, it was in no sense a random decision: he knew what he was doing. And what he was doing was … well, pretty much what he has been doing 100 nights a year for a quarter of a century. There was no reference back to those legendary nights in May 1966, apart from a slightly weird version of She Belongs To Me, the only song performed on both occasions. There was little to remind us of those electrifying performances by the band that became The Band; even Charlie Sexton appeared to have been reined in, remaining almost motionless throughout the show. And there was little original in the set list; it was business as usual. Well, almost.

Bob, Royal Albert Hall, 2013

Back in October 1987, Bob toured Europe with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. I actually walked out of the show in Birmingham, embarrassed by Bob’s confused performance, both lyrically and musically. This was the show when, as Bob launched into another unidentified and unidentifiable song, one of the Heartbreakers asked Petty what it was. “Don’t know, but it’s in D” he replied. Allegedly. (This was also the show when the England cricket captain, RDG Willis, and I stood at adjacent urinals and discussed test cricket at length. My conversation with him about Dylan took place outside the pavilion at Lords during a test match a couple of years later. But that’s by the by.) Wednesday at the Royal Albert Hall was not anything like as poor as October 1987. But it was a show which will remain in the memory only because of Bob’s return to the Royal Albert Hall after so long. It has been many a year since I have anticipated a Bob show with quite so much enthusiasm and relish as this one. But although Bob seemed happy enough, his mind appeared to be elsewhere. The band, too, seemed lifeless. Professional but passionless. Not sure why Donnie was there at all. Charlie, as I say, was as quiet as I have ever seen him. Stu provided some good basic rhythm guitar, but it was really only the admirable Tony Garnier who seemed to know what was going on and, on at least two occasions, saved the day by bringing a song to a premature but welcome end, as Bob’s piano lost all rhythm and reason. True, the second set was a major improvement on the first, featuring very tolerable and professional renditions of Scarlet Town and Soon After Midnight from Tempest. It is also true that Long and Wasted Years was a triumph, a considered, thoughtful and profound performance of a great composition. But this was the 17th song of the evening. There are some, even many, whose opinions I respect, who have recently argued that the never ending tour has run its course, and that Thanksgiving at the Royal Albert Hall would be an appropriate finale. As Bob sang Blowin' in the Wind for thenth time at 9.30pm on Wednesday evening, it occurred to me, for the first time in my life-long relationship with Bob and his music, that they might be right. A belated Happy Thanksgiving to everyone, especially friends in Boston and to Michelle, who once again hosted a wonderful evening. Sorry about the Steelers, Mich! Today from the everysmith vault: I played through Tempest yesterday, but this morning – with thanks to Wolfgang’s Vault – I’m playing a great set from the life force that was Levon Helm (ably assisted by ex-Bob and Dead guitarist Larry Campbell). Newport 2008. I commend it to you for its vitality, vibrancy and life-enhancing joie de vivre.

It would appear that your recent conversations with Michael Gray have prompted you to take the opposing view. I do not recognise the show that you describe, although I too was there. It seemed to me to be a polished and professional performance, with Bob enjoying himself immensely. As were the other 5000 people in the hall!

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Don

29/11/2013 02:23:45 am

Saw the Tuesday show. It was good. But agree that there was something missing. Suspect the weight of expectation was too much. Our problem rather than Bob's.

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Don

29/11/2013 03:43:21 am

PS you didn't mention Pay in Blood, which I thought was outstanding.

Sean

29/11/2013 02:26:13 am

Only saw him live once. Strangely it was at the NEC in '87 too. He was abysmal. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers rescued him as my mates and I spent most of the gig sweating over the Chillum that had been confiscated on the door by security. Three days later I saw The Ramones at the Powerhaus. They were immense. Bob should have packed it in around the time he started doing corporate gigs in Silicon Valley.

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Jamie

29/11/2013 02:35:31 am

Isn't this Gray's point? That Bob is a song and dance man and he must keep playing and touring because that's what he does? The audience is almost unnecessary. Which is why he so seldom engages with us and never does what we would want him to do. So he probably won't bring the NET to a close!

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CJ

29/11/2013 02:44:13 am

I have heard some tapes of recent shows, although not the Royal Albert Hall yet. Think I agree that they are missing that edge that we love. Certainly agree with you about Levon and the Newport show, which I downloaded a couple of days ago. My favourite Dylan shows of recent years were those in which Larry was given the opportunity to show off! Sexton never really did it for me.

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Allan

29/11/2013 03:05:32 am

What exactly are you arguing for? That Bob stop touring completely or that he makes occasional appearances as and when? One of the benefits of the never ending tour is that we Europeans get to see him on a regular basis. And while I have never shared your apparent enthusiasm for all things Bob, I think his summer or autumn trips over here would be sorely missed. By me and especially by you. Agree with Don that the issue is your expectation rather than the performance.

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Duncan

29/11/2013 03:25:28 am

I always loved the fact that Bob Willis added Dylan to his name by deed poll and surprised that you didn't! The image of you and Willis urinating together while discussing cricket at a Dylan concern is one of the more surreal you have projected in these blogs. Thank you.

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Chris

29/11/2013 02:28:26 pm

We have measured out our lives in Dylan albums and Dylan shows. Cannot imagine what things will be like without him. Does one retreat, Deadhead-like, into a post-Jerry coma, sitting at home with rapes of old shows? It find a new Bob? Problem us, the new Bob for the last 50 years ga been bob!

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Rick Hough

29/11/2013 04:48:38 pm

Interesting observations and, as always, a good read.

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Matt

4/12/2013 04:50:52 am

Now the dust has settled, we can take stock. It was another Bob tour. Nothing exciting or sensational, but a good, honest, night's entertainment on almost every occasion. On my nights, everyone without exception seemed to be absolutely positive about it. Which means I suspect that those who accuse you of having too many expectations are correct.

Was about to post something similar when Matt's comment appeared. I think Max has changed. I have over the years read his positive reviews of crap concerts. In his mid-60s, he is growing up. Or maybe not.